Greetings!
I have a history of submitting newsletter articles at the wire. Actually, at the wire in generous. I often submit my articles after a subtle nudge by whoever is responsible for putting the newsletter together (sorry, Michelle.) At least this time I have an excuse. Moving across the country is a lot of work!
Much of my time this past few weeks has been spent just being present. I have sat in groups listening to stories about the church, I've dug through every drawer in my desk multiple times reading copies of old board notes and random collections of reports and letters from the past. I have stood in the sanctuary several times each week, just soaking up the experience of the place, imagining what has happened in this church, dreaming about what the future will hold. I even spent some time in my first few days walking from room to room on the 3rd floor, staring at the windows to the courthouse in downtown Lafayette. In all this, my time so far feels as though I have been dropped into a story that has been going on for a long time, one that is still in the process of being told.
These first few weeks have been spent listening to that story. And there's probably a lot more listening to be done. I have appreciated everyone's hospitality and welcome as Amanda and I get set up here. But in particular, I appreciate your willingness to share with us what this place, both First Christian and Lafayette, are all about.
Blessings, Rev. Andrew Guthrie
